Engelbert Humperdinck slims down for Eurovision

The 76-year-old crooner was unveiled as the nation's hopeful earlier this year (12), and he will perform new track Love Will Set You Free at the upcoming show.

Humperdinck has taken up the protein-based Dukan diet and is working out in order to slim down for the contest - and he's seen the pounds drop off.

He tells the Daily Mirror, "I am on the Dukan diet, it is French and a woman who promotes my records ­recommended it. It is mostly protein in the diet but I love it.

"I do have a routine and normally first of all I get on the treadmill and try to work out a bit. I want to keep my weight down. I walk around a three mile area around the house on the street. I will pass the pub in the village and get some fresh air. And I eat yogurt and I take vitamins for breakfast.

"I have been really persevering with my diet and in the last month I have dropped 16 pounds. I want to look good when I do Eurovision. I don't want people saying, 'He has a paunch'."

The Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Azerbaijan later this month (May12).